Half the partners in BLM's Southampton office have resigned.
Eight partners have handed in their notices including the head of the Southampton and Bristol offices, Michael Renshaw, RollOnFriday has learned.
According to inside sources, the fleeing partners are citing management issues and the salary and bonus system as their reasons for leaving BLM. Although presumably Renshaw thought his own management skills were passable. There are, says one source, "more disillusioned partners waiting in the wings", and claims other lawyers and non-fee-earners are also expected to leave. Which is perhaps not surprising given that a lot of work is presumably about to walk out the door.
The firm endured a pasting from staff in the RollOnFriday Firm of the Year 2016 survey, in which it came fourth from bottom with a score of just 33% (which is generally awarded for being a law firm and having an office). Its lawyers said that the firm's pay was "horrendous", with one adding "you should look into it - it really is a complete joke". Others claimed there was "terrible communication from the top" and a "totally opaque" bonus system. Employees have apparently got so used to departures they have found a novel silver lining: "Members of staff leave and are not replaced which means there is room to stretch out on spare desks". Following news that BLM is making mass redundancies in Manchester, they are likely to have at least one office each.
A spokeswoman for BLM confirmed that it had received "a number of resignations". But although half the office is about to vanish, she said BLM does not "anticipate any impact on our existing relationships" with clients, who have all "assured" the firm "of their continuing support". So all fine then.
Tip Off ROF
Eight partners have handed in their notices including the head of the Southampton and Bristol offices, Michael Renshaw, RollOnFriday has learned.
According to inside sources, the fleeing partners are citing management issues and the salary and bonus system as their reasons for leaving BLM. Although presumably Renshaw thought his own management skills were passable. There are, says one source, "more disillusioned partners waiting in the wings", and claims other lawyers and non-fee-earners are also expected to leave. Which is perhaps not surprising given that a lot of work is presumably about to walk out the door.
"Nobody start running until we're round the corner" |
The firm endured a pasting from staff in the RollOnFriday Firm of the Year 2016 survey, in which it came fourth from bottom with a score of just 33% (which is generally awarded for being a law firm and having an office). Its lawyers said that the firm's pay was "horrendous", with one adding "you should look into it - it really is a complete joke". Others claimed there was "terrible communication from the top" and a "totally opaque" bonus system. Employees have apparently got so used to departures they have found a novel silver lining: "Members of staff leave and are not replaced which means there is room to stretch out on spare desks". Following news that BLM is making mass redundancies in Manchester, they are likely to have at least one office each.
A spokeswoman for BLM confirmed that it had received "a number of resignations". But although half the office is about to vanish, she said BLM does not "anticipate any impact on our existing relationships" with clients, who have all "assured" the firm "of their continuing support". So all fine then.
Comments
208
249
(Though hard to feel sorry for all these insurance firms who spent the last 10 years merrily lobbying themselves out of a future)
192
255
183
253
Someone is splashing the cash !
203
234
217
220
230
240
184
238
215
209
240
243
Nice to hear from BLM's HR Department
195
253
238
237
193
269
240
220
205
238
214
232
It's the culture and half witted management that have always let it down. Oh and the egos.
213
253
201
251
206
254
This second attempt could be the Titanic sequel.
202
238
If it is true BLM have lost it that's a telling sign.
198
266
186
278
201
241
211
240
Favouritism was rife when I worked there but its such a crazy place that you may be flavour of the month one minute then ignored the next. No rhyme or reason. The moods of the supervising partners changed more than the weather. Perfect set up for a reality TV show.
176
253
217
226
198
241
188
264
213
231
The panic is seeping around the offices.
214
239
180
266
215
234
208
228
231
249
There's a firm there doing the same work who will always consider strong candidates. ;)
219
235
217
223
The 'firm in Evesham' couldn't be the one that's run so catastrophically badly that it's just emerged from administration? BLM may not be coming out of these comments looking very good, but that has to be the most idiotic suggestion in the history of RoF.
206
252
204
247
210
242
233
248
202
240
205
251
Great.
214
240
229
232
212
235
197
273
213
223
Long gone are the days of the 'ginger ninja' a truly delightful NSP who made everyone feel valued. As stated by another commenter 'new' isn't always good.
Grab a bag of popcorn and watch the show its looking like a grand finale!!